This paper evaluates the combination of coagulation-flocculation-settling and photo-Fenton for the decontamination of a real effluent containing ametrine ([AMT]=403 mg L-1), atrazine ([ATZ]=2153 mg L-1), imidacloprid ([IMD]=2936 mg L-1) and tebuthiuron ([TBT]=3354 mg L-1) and which is generated during the manufacturing process of pesticides. Physicochemical treatment (coagulation-flocculationsettling) was tested using different concentrations of Al(NO3)(3) and Fe(NO3)(3). No significant removal was achieved using Al(NO3)(3) as coagulant while best results were obtained via coagulation with Fe(NO3)(3) (99 % removal of color and turbidity). Pesticides remaining in the supernatant after coagulation-flocculation-settling stages were removed via photo-Fenton under black-light or solar irradiation. 82-95 % removal of target pesticides were obtained after photo-Fenton treatment (2 mmol L-1 of FeOx, 5463 mg L-1 of H2O2) using black-light lamps (400 kJ m(-2)). Solar irradiation improved the degradation of target pesticides (>99 %) leading to concentrations below quantification limits (<0.1 mg L-1; 400 kJ m(-2)). Effluent acute toxicity (Vibrio fischeri) was reduced from 100 % to 43 % after solar photo-Fenton. Highly oxidized compounds were formed as confirmed by an increase in average and carbon oxidation states. Preliminary costs calculated for the proposed treatment indicated that $ 349 may be saved per m(3) of treated effluent when compared to costs associated to the conventional treatment for this effluent (incineration). (C) 2020 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.